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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"